Planning a trip to India from the UK? Before you book the sightseeing, family visits or long-awaited trip home, there is one practical step to sort out: your Indian visa.
For eligible UK passport holders, the India e-Visa application can be completed online. The process is straightforward when you have the right documents ready, choose the correct visa category, and carefully check the information before submitting it.
This guide explains how to apply for an India e-Visa from the UK, what documents you may need, how much the visa currently costs, when to apply and what to do after your e-Visa is approved.
Important: Visa rules, fees, and entry requirements can change. Always check the latest information on the official Government of India e-Visa portal before submitting an application or travelling.
The Ingredients List: What You Need Before You Start
A passport with at least six months of validity left and two blank pages free, a digital photo meeting the government’s exact format, and your rough travel dates settled, since your port of arrival has to match wherever you’re landing. That’s genuinely the whole list for most applicants. Nothing here needs a solicitor or a specialist; just five minutes gathered in advance rather than the night before a flight.
India e-Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
Before starting your application, prepare the documents and information you are likely to need.
Passport
Your passport should:
- Be valid for at least six months when you apply for the e-Visa.
- Have at least two blank pages for immigration stamping.
- Be the passport you use for your India trip, subject to the e-Visa portal’s current guidance.
The Government of India also advises travellers to have a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds for their stay in India.
Recent Digital Photograph
You will need a recent, front-facing photograph that meets the e-Visa portal’s specifications. The photograph should have a white or light-coloured background and be clear enough to pass the portal’s technical requirements.
Passport Bio Page
A scanned copy of the passport bio page showing details such as your name, date of birth, nationality and passport information is required for the e-Visa application.
Additional Documents
The exact documents depend on the type of e-Visa you are applying for. Some categories require additional supporting documents, so do not assume that the passport and photograph are the complete document list for every applicant.
Having everything ready before opening the application makes the process considerably easier.
Which India e-Visa Do You Need?
The right e-Visa depends on why you are travelling to India.
e-Visa category | Suitable for | Validity / stay information |
30-day e-Tourist Visa | Holidays, visiting family and friends, short trips | Valid for 30 days from your first arrival; multiple entries are permitted within the validity period |
1-year e-Tourist Visa | Travellers making multiple trips to India | Valid for 1 year from the date the ETA is granted; multiple entries; maximum stay in India during a calendar year is 180 days |
5-year e-Tourist Visa | Frequent visitors to India | Valid for 5 years from the date the ETA is granted; multiple entries; maximum stay in India during a calendar year is 180 days |
e-Business Visa | Business meetings, conferences and eligible business activities | Generally valid for 1 year from the date of ETA grant, with multiple entries; continuous stay during a visit should not exceed 180 days |
e-Medical Visa | Eligible medical treatment in India | Validity and permitted stay are governed by the e-Medical Visa conditions; the official portal currently describes the e-Medical Visa as valid for 60 days from first arrival, with multiple entries |
The 30-day e-Tourist Visa is different from the longer tourist visas: its 30-day validity starts from the first arrival in India. The 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas are valid from the date of ETA grant and carry a maximum total stay of 180 days in a calendar year.
For medical travel, do not assume that a hospital determines your immigration permission. The applicable e-Medical Visa conditions determine the permitted validity and stay.
How Much Does an India e-Visa Cost from the UK?
India e-Visa fees are country-specific. For UK citizens, the current official e-Tourist Visa fee table lists the following amounts:
e-Tourist Visa | Fee for UK citizens |
30-day e-Tourist Visa — April to June | US$10 |
30-day e-Tourist Visa — July to March | US$25 |
1-year e-Tourist Visa | US$40 |
5-year e-Tourist Visa | US$80
|
A 3% bank transaction charge is added to applicable e-Visa fees.
Fees can change, so check the current Government of India fee table before making payment.
When Should You Apply for an India e-Visa from the UK?
Do not leave your application until the day before your flight.
For eligible applicants, the Government of India currently allows e-Visa applications to be submitted up to 120 days before the proposed date of travel, with applications generally needing to be made at least four days before arrival.
Applying early gives you time to deal with problems such as:
- An incorrect passport detail
- A photograph that does not meet the required specifications
- Missing supporting documents
- A passport that needs renewal
- Changes to your travel plans
Once your passport and required documents are ready, the application can generally be completed online in one sitting.
How to Apply for an India e-Visa from the UK
The application process is completed online through the Government of India’s authorised e-Visa portal.
1. Visit the Official India e-Visa Portal
Use the official Government of India e-Visa website rather than relying on a third-party website presenting itself as an official government service.
Official Government of India e-Visa Portal
The Government of India states that the official e-Visa application service is available through Indianvisaonline.gov.in and warns applicants about unauthorised intermediaries and websites.
Be particularly careful with websites offering “express” or “emergency” e-Visa services for additional fees. The Government of India states that it makes no provision for emergency or express e-Visa fees.
2. Select the Appropriate e-Visa Category
Choose the category that matches the purpose of your trip.
For a normal holiday or family visit, this will generally be an e-Tourist Visa.
If you are travelling for business, medical treatment or another permitted purpose, check the relevant category and its document requirements before continuing.
3. Enter Your Personal and Travel Details
Complete the application carefully.
Your information should match your passport, including:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Passport issue and expiry details
- Contact information
- Travel information
- Intended arrival details
Double-check everything before submitting because incorrect information can create problems with your application or travel.
4. Choose an Authorised Entry Point
Do not assume that every airport or port can be used with an e-Visa.
Choose an authorised e-Visa entry point that fits your itinerary and check the current list before travelling. The official portal maintains a list of authorised immigration checkposts for e-Visa holders.
If your flight itinerary changes after you apply, review the latest entry requirements rather than assuming the new airport is automatically permitted.
5. Upload Your Documents
Upload the required photograph and passport bio page.
Depending on the e-Visa category, you may also need an additional supporting document. The official portal states that unclear or non-compliant photographs and documents can result in problems with an application.
6. Pay the e-Visa Fee
Pay the applicable fee online using the payment method available through the official portal.
Remember that a 3% bank transaction charge applies to applicable e-Visa fees.
Keep your payment and application confirmation details for your records.
7. Wait for Your Electronic Travel Authorisation
After submission, your application is reviewed and the visa status is communicated to the email address provided in the application.
If your e-Visa is granted, download and print the ETA before travelling. The official application process instructs travellers to present the printed ETA at the immigration checkpoint, where the e-Visa is processed and stamped in the passport.
What Happens After Your India e-Visa Is Approved?
An approved e-Visa is only one part of your arrival preparation.
Before travelling, make sure you have:
- Your passport
- A printed copy of your ETA/e-Visa
- Your flight and onward/return travel details
- Any documents required for your particular visa category
- Completed the required e-Arrival Card within the permitted timeframe
At immigration in India, present your passport and e-Visa documentation as instructed.
Don't Forget the India e-Arrival Card
The e-Arrival Card is separate from your visa.
The current Government of India guidance says that foreigners and OCI cardholders can complete the e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arriving in India. It is arrival information, not a visa.
It can be completed through the official Bureau of Immigration/Indian Visa Online channels or the official Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile application.
Do not confuse the e-Arrival Card with your e-Visa. Having an e-Visa does not remove the requirement to complete the separate arrival information process where it applies.
Common India e-Visa Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple checks can prevent unnecessary problems.
Using an unofficial website
Always start with the Government of India’s authorised e-Visa portal. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge additional service fees or imply that they are government websites.
Uploading the wrong photograph
Your photograph needs to meet the portal’s technical specifications. Do not assume that any passport-style photograph will automatically be accepted.
Entering incorrect passport information
Check your passport number, name, date of birth, nationality and expiry date carefully before submitting.
Choosing an unauthorised entry point
Your intended airport or port should be an authorised e-Visa entry point. Check the current official list before travelling.
Applying too close to departure
Although the application is online, leaving it until the last minute creates unnecessary risk if documents need to be corrected or additional information is requested.
Confusing visa validity with permitted stay
A visa’s validity period is not always the same thing as the maximum permitted stay. This is particularly important for the 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas, where the official guidance specifies a maximum total stay of 180 days in a calendar year.
India e-Visa for UK Citizens: Quick Checklist
Before submitting your application, check:
- Passport has at least six months’ validity
- Passport has at least two blank pages
- Recent digital photograph is ready
- Passport bio page is available
- Any category-specific supporting documents are ready
- Your personal details match your passport
- You have selected the correct e-Visa category
- Your intended entry point is authorised
- You have checked the current visa fee
- You have allowed enough time before your journey
- You know how and when to complete the e-Arrival Card
Do UK Citizens Need an India Visa?
Yes, UK citizens travelling to India generally need a valid Indian visa or another applicable permission to enter India. Eligible UK passport holders can apply online for an India e-Visa for permitted travel purposes. The UK is currently included in the Government of India’s list of countries eligible for e-Visa services.
If you hold an OCI card, the situation is different. OCI cardholders generally do not need a separate Indian visa for travel covered by their OCI status, but they are still required to complete the e-Arrival Card before arrival under the current guidance.
India e-Visa from the UK: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an India e-Visa take to process from the UK?
Processing time can vary, so it is better not to rely on a fixed three-to-five-business-day promise. Apply within the permitted window and allow sufficient time before your journey. The official portal will communicate the visa status to the email address used in the application.
How much is an India e-Visa for UK citizens?
The current official fee table lists US$10 for a 30-day e-Tourist Visa between April and June, US$25 between July and March, US$40 for a 1-year e-Tourist Visa and US$80 for a 5-year e-Tourist Visa. A 3% bank transaction charge applies to applicable e-Visa fees.
Do I need to book my flight before applying for an India e-Visa?
You should have your travel plans and intended entry point in mind when applying. However, avoid assuming that a particular airport or port is automatically permitted for e-Visa entry. Check the current authorised entry-point list and ensure your itinerary fits the e-Visa requirements.
How far in advance can I apply for an India e-Visa?
Eligible applicants can currently apply up to 120 days before their proposed arrival date. The official guidance also states that applications should generally be made at least four days before arrival.
Do OCI cardholders need an India e-Visa?
OCI cardholders generally do not need a separate Indian visa where their OCI status provides the applicable entry privileges. However, current Government of India guidance says OCI cardholders must still complete the e-Arrival Card before arriving in India.
How long is the 1-year or 5-year India e-Tourist Visa valid?
The 1-year e-Tourist Visa is valid for 365 days from the date of ETA grant, while the 5-year e-Tourist Visa is valid for five years from the date of ETA grant. Both allow multiple entries, with a maximum total stay in India of 180 days during a calendar year.
Is the India e-Visa application completely online?
Yes. The e-Visa application process is online, including document uploads, payment and receipt of the ETA by email. Travellers should then carry a printed copy of the ETA for presentation at immigration on arrival.
Final Checklist Before You Fly from the UK to India
An India e-Visa application does not need to be complicated. The safest approach is simply to work through the process carefully:
Check your passport → prepare your photograph and documents → choose the right e-Visa → complete the official online application → pay the applicable fee → wait for your ETA → print it → check your authorised entry point → complete the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival.
That small amount of preparation can make the difference between a smooth start to your India trip and a stressful problem at the airport.
For travellers booking flights from the UK to India, it also makes sense to check your visa requirements alongside your itinerary rather than treating the two as completely separate tasks.
